106-pound junior flyweight and US Olympic team co-captain Luis Yanez was notified Monday of USA Boxing's intent to have him removed from the Olympic team. USA Boxing, the governing body of amateur boxing in the United States, cited Yanez's violation of the athletic code of conduct as the reason for the removal. The violation has to do with Yanez's failure to return to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado last Wednesday as was required. According to Yanez, the reason for the delay in his return was due to a family emergency involving his sister.
"Just being late, that's what they are talking about," a visibly upset Yanez would tell the gathered media at DFW International Airport where the 19-year-old had arrived after being barred access to the training compound. "They don't understand that family is real important. I tried to work things out with them; they didn't want to work things out."
According to USA Boxing, Yanez can appeal the intent and has the option to file for an arbitration hearing. "He's unofficially off the team," Michael Montoya, spokesperson for the Yanez family, stated. "You have to have a due process hearing and he has not had that hearing. We are going to be working within the next 24-48 hours to get him back on the team."
Last Thursday, local community leaders hosted an Olympic send-off for Yanez in downtown Dallas. FightHype was on hand at the gala as Yanez expressed his hope and desire to capture the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
"It's one of the most special moments in my life," an emotionally moved Yanez stated last week. "Every day, I'm pushing myself because I'm going to bring home the gold medal. I'm doing whatever it takes to get the gold. I want that gold medal. It's right there in front of me and I'm going to snatch it and bring it back to Dallas-Fort Worth."
The news of Yanez's removal brings to light questions surround the rumors of team members being discontent with the effectiveness of their training under Dan Campbell, national director of coaching. In the past, Campbell has been openly critical of Yanez's flashy boxing style and many parents and coaches have questioned some of Campbell's decisions and training techniques.
